J.P. Morgan Asset Management Proposes Conversion of Select Mutual Funds to ETFs

Rhea-AI Summary

J.P. Morgan Asset Management plans to convert select U.S. mutual funds into ETFs in 2022, pending board approval. The four funds targeted for conversion have combined assets of approximately $10 billion as of June 30, 2021. This move aims to enhance J.P. Morgan's investment offerings and align with the growing trend towards ETFs. Additionally, they propose a common board for mutual funds and ETFs to improve governance. The conversions promise to provide investors with active investment options in traditionally passive spaces, maximizing liquidity and transparency.

Positive

• Proposed conversion of mutual funds to ETFs could enhance investment offerings.
• Combined assets of targeted funds are approximately $10 billion, indicating strong investor interest.
• J.P. Morgan's ETF suite consists of 36 products with over $64 billion in AUM, showcasing robust market presence.

Negative

• Conversions subject to board approval, introducing uncertainty.
• -

NEW YORK, Aug. 11, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- J.P. Morgan Asset Management has announced plans to convert select U.S. mutual fund vehicles to ETFs in 2022. The conversions, which are subject to fund board approval, are intended to expand J.P. Morgan's ability to deliver more of its industry-leading investment capabilities in the ETF vehicle, a structure that it believes is well-suited for the four mutual funds currently in scope and will be beneficial to their investors. The combined assets of the funds proposed for conversion are approximately $10 billion (as of 6/30/2021).

J.P. Morgan Asset Management also announced that, in light of continued convergence of mutual funds and ETFs, the boards of the J.P. Morgan mutual funds and ETFs are asking shareholders to elect a common board of 16 to govern the entire J.P. Morgan Fund complex. If approved by shareholders, this change also would take effect in early 2022.

"As one of the fastest growing asset management firms, we are positioning ourselves to deliver our best investment capabilities more rapidly through a broader range of vehicles including mutual funds and ETFs.  We also believe the combination of the mutual fund and ETF boards will allow shareholders to benefit from the boards' substantial combined experience and better position us to deliver the highest value-add capabilities in a rapidly evolving industry," said George Gatch, Chief Executive Officer, J.P. Morgan Asset Management.

If the boards approve these conversions, which they expect to consider early next year, the following mutual funds would be converted to substantially similar ETFs in an active transparent ETF structure:

• JPMorgan International Research Enhanced Equity Fund (OEIAX: AUM $5.0BN*)
• JPMorgan Market Expansion Enhanced Index Fund (OMEAX: AUM $1.1BN*)
• JPMorgan Realty Income Fund (URTAX: AUM $2.2BN*)
• JPMorgan Inflation Managed Bond Fund (JIMAX: AUM $1.4BN*)

*AUM as of 6/30/2021

By converting these mutual funds to ETFs, J.P. Morgan would provide clients with active investment options in spaces that traditionally have seen mostly passive ETF solutions. 

J.P. Morgan Asset Management is announcing the proposed conversion plans well in advance to provide shareholders and distributors with ample notice of the planned conversions and to allow them time to engage with J.P. Morgan on the implications of this important effort. It is anticipated that if the conversions are approved by the boards of the funds, they would not require shareholder approval prior to implementation.

"As a leading active manager, it is important to us that we continue to deliver our investment capabilities in the vehicle that meets our clients' desired outcomes," said Bryon Lake, Head of Americas ETFs. "The intraday liquidity, transparency and potential tax benefits that come with ETFs carry significant value to many investors, and these particular strategies are well suited for the ETF structure."

"J.P. Morgan is known for its deep investment expertise across asset classes and we want our product offering to be equally diverse - reflecting our broad capabilities across ETFs, mutual funds, separately managed accounts and other structures," said Jed Laskowitz, Global Head of Asset Management Solutions. "We believe that select, thoughtful conversions have the opportunity to positively impact the shareholders' experience, and that is always our goal." 

J.P. Morgan Asset Management's U.S. ETF suite has 36 products with more than $64 billion in assets under management. J.P. Morgan Asset Management ranks as a top ten ETF issuer with respect to AUM and net flows across the active fund and ETF industry for 2021[1]. J.P. Morgan manages 129 mutual funds, with $899 billion in AUM (as of 6/30/21). Our portfolio managers have delivered outstanding performance throughout market cycles, with 79% of our mutual fund AUM ranked in the top two quartiles over the 10-year period (as of 6/30/2021). As a leading active manager in the industry, we are committed to providing access to our investment capabilities through a range of vehicles including ETFs, mutual funds, commingled funds, SMAs and liquid alternatives.

About J.P. Morgan Asset Management
J.P. Morgan Asset Management, with assets under management of $2.6 trillion (as of 6/30/2021), is a global leader in investment management. J.P. Morgan Asset Management's clients include institutions, retail investors and high net worth individuals in every major market throughout the world. J.P. Morgan Asset Management offers global investment management in equities, fixed income, real estate, hedge funds, private equity and liquidity. For more information: www.jpmorganassetmanagement.com.

JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE: JPM) is a leading global financial services firm with assets of $3.7 trillion and operations worldwide. The Firm is a leader in investment banking, financial services for consumers and small businesses, commercial banking, financial transaction processing, and asset management. A component of the Dow Jones Industrial Average, JPMorgan Chase & Co. serves millions of customers in the United States and many of the world's most prominent corporate, institutional and government clients under its J.P. Morgan and Chase brands. Information about JPMorgan Chase & Co. is available at www.jpmorganchase.com. J.P. Morgan Asset Management is the marketing name for the asset management businesses of JPMorgan Chase & Co. and its affiliates worldwide.

J.P. Morgan ETFs are distributed by JPMorgan Distribution Services, Inc., which is an affiliate of JPMorgan Chase & Co. Affiliates of JPMorgan Chase & Co. receive fees for providing various services to the funds. JPMorgan Distribution Services, Inc. is a member of FINRA. More information is available at https://am.jpmorgan.com/us/en/asset-management/gim/adv/products/etfs.

Investors should carefully consider the investment objectives and risks as well as charges and expenses of the funds before investing. The summary and full prospectuses contain this and other information about the funds and should be read carefully before investing. To obtain a prospectus call 1-800-480-4111.

Information regarding the proposed election of a common board, including the participants in the solicitation of proxies and a description of their direct or indirect interests, by security holdings or otherwise, will be contained in the proxy materials to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). Shareholders should read the proxy statement when it is available because it contains important information. The proxy statement will be mailed to shareholders of record, and shareholders will also be able to access the proxy statement, and any other relevant documents, on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov once filed. The proxy statement also will be available at www.proxyvote.com and a paper copy can be obtained at no charge by calling 1-800-690-6903.

In connection with the proposed conversions discussed herein, an information statement/prospectus that will be included in a registration statement on Form N-14 will be filed with the SEC. After the registration statement is filed with the SEC, it may be amended or withdrawn and the information statement/prospectus will not be distributed to shareholders unless and until the registration statement is declared effective by the SEC. Investors are urged to read the materials and any other relevant documents when they become available because they will contain important information about the conversions. After they are filed, free copies of the materials will be available on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov. These materials also will be available at www.jpmorganfunds.com and a paper copy can be obtained at no charge by calling 1-800-480-4111.

This communication is for informational purposes only and is not a solicitation of a proxy from any fund shareholder and does not constitute an offer of any securities for sale. No offer of securities will be made except pursuant to a prospectus meeting the requirements of Section 10 of the Securities Act of 1933.

NOT FDIC INSURED | NO BANK GUARANTEE | MAY LOSE VALUE

¹ Data according to ETFdb.com as of August 10, 2021.

 

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SOURCE J.P. Morgan Asset Management

FAQ

What funds is JPM proposing to convert to ETFs?

J.P. Morgan is proposing to convert the JPMorgan International Research Enhanced Equity Fund, JPMorgan Market Expansion Enhanced Index Fund, JPMorgan Realty Income Fund, and JPMorgan Inflation Managed Bond Fund to ETFs.

Why is JPMorgan converting mutual funds to ETFs?

The conversion aims to expand J.P. Morgan's investment capabilities, provide clients with active management options, and enhance liquidity and transparency.

What is the asset size of the funds affected by JPM's conversion?

The combined assets of the funds proposed for conversion are approximately $10 billion as of June 30, 2021.

When will the conversions of JPM's mutual funds to ETFs take effect?

If approved, the conversion is expected to take place in early 2022.

How will the board changes affect shareholders?

J.P. Morgan aims to create a common board for mutual funds and ETFs to enhance governance and shareholder value.